30 Collectable Model Trains: What kinds of track systems are available?
Description
This article is from the Model Trains FAQ, by Christopher D Coleman with numerous contributions by others.
30 Collectable Model Trains: What kinds of track systems are available?
Different types of track systems in a given gauge are usually
separated by their curve radius. This has besdefined as the
distance from rail to rail of a complete circle of curved
sections. Which rail or part of the rail issnot always the same,
but is usually the outermost rail.
O: The standard type of trackage. Usually with three black ties
per section. 31" curve diameter is common butsO-72 and O-54 with
72" (five ties) and 54" curve diameters are also readily
available. Single straights normallysare 10" long.
O-27: A lighter duty trackage style also usually with three ties
per section. Usually 27" curve diameter with 42"sand 54" (O-42,
O-54 light) available. Straight single sections are 8-3/4"
long. Although O-27 technically referssonly to 27" diameter track
it is commonly used to designate all radii of this lighter duty
track style.
Super O: Made by Lionel 1957 to 1966. Featured realistic molded
plastic ties and plates. 36" curve diameter.sSections snap
together. Hard to find today. The flat center rail is frequently
accused of 'eating' rollers. MostsSuper-O users disagree, though
the center rail connectors do tend to work lose enough to catch
sliding centersrail contacts.
Tru-Trak: Made by Lionel about 1976 and was similar to K-Line
O. It was around 30" diameter and very littleswas produced.
K-Line O: A semi-realistic plastic tied track included with some
better K-Line sets.
Gar-Graves: Realistic trackage that comes in 3' sections to be
custom bent to layout specs. Wood ties and ascenter rail
chemically blackened to be hidden. Tricky to bend without
kinks. Available in stainless for outdoors.sAvailable in O, S,
and Standard.
Sectional Gar-Graves: O Gauge available in 32" 42", 54"and 72"
diameter, 8 sections per circle and , 80", 88",s96" and 106"
diameter, 12 sections per circle; plastic ties, blackened center
rail or stainless steelsS Gauge available in 42", 54", 63" and
72" diameter, 8 sections per circle.
S American Flyer: Flyer was the only major postwar S producer.
K-line S: includes Flyer type straights and curves as well as 3
foot straights and wide radius curves. Pins aresslightly wider
than Flyer and require some filing to mate properly
American Models S: currently produces track switches.
Antique Trains Standard: Essentially identical to original
Prewar. 1 lantern Lane Turnersville, NJ 08012
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